Catena is a small-molecule therapy and is administered orally. It's thought to work by helping preserve function in the energy-producing parts of cells known as mitochondria. This, in turn, could protect cells from a type of damage known as oxidative stress.

The new data are based on clinical observations of 19 trial participants in the company's phase 2, two-year, open-label extension study of Catena in DMD, called DELPHI-E. The results are in agreement with and confirm data generated in a phase 2, one-year study called DELPHI, in which an idebenone group and placebo group were compared. Both studies were conducted in Belgium.

Efficacy was measured as change from baseline in the respiratory function tests peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC) and maximum inspiratory mouth pressures (MIP). Preliminary analysis reported in May 2011 indicated that the rates of decline in PEF and MIP were slower when participants received Catena during the extension study, as compared to a period where they did not receive Catena. There was no difference in the rate of decline in FVC measurements, on or off Catena.